Telehealth
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Telehealth at St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney
Telehealth makes essential specialist healthcare services easier to access.
When you live in a rural or remote area, it can be difficult to access specialist healthcare services. Often, you need to travel long distances to see specialists – which can also result in additional accommodation costs, adding to the stress of travelling when you’re unwell.
Telehealth helps people living in rural and remote areas to access specialist services with greater ease and reduced waiting times. In some cases, you can see a specialist sooner via a Telehealth consultation.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth is a term used to describe the delivery of healthcare services through phone or digital technologies. During a Telehealth consultation, you and your healthcare professional will speak to each other via phone or a video call – similar to Face Time or Skype.
With Telehealth, you don’t need to be in the same room as your healthcare professional – you can both be located in different cities or states.
As well as providing outreach services to patients, Telehealth also supports health professionals in remote and rural areas, ensuring all St Vincent’s patients can access specialist care when they need it.
What services does Telehealth cover?
Telehealth services can include any of the following:
- Medical consultations via audio or video conferencing
- Remote control and monitoring of vital signs
- Continuing medical education
- Self-care services
While Telehealth doesn’t replace all face-to-face consultations, the additional phone and video calls help to support the specialist care you’re already receiving.
How do I book a Telehealth consultation?
To make a Telehealth consultation, you need to discuss your requirements with your specialist. You can book your Telehealth consultation in advance or get in touch with us if your query is urgent.
What are the benefits of Telehealth?
Telehealth offers many benefits for patients and their families or carers, especially for those who live in rural and remote areas.
Some of the many benefits of Telehealth include:
- No travel time – having your consultation by video can save you the time, effort and cost needed to travel to an in-person consultation at St Vincent’s Hospital
- Save on accommodation expenses – people who live out of town don’t need to worry about paying for transport or lodging for themselves and their families or carers
- See a healthcare professional sooner – in some cases, it can be easier and quicker to schedule a Telehealth consultation than wait for an in-person appointment
- Familiar care – if you live in a rural or remote area, you can continue to receive specialist care at your local hospital rather than transferring to a large hospital away from home
- Ease of access – you can have the consultation in your home (or anywhere that suits) using your own computer, or with your local GP or other healthcare provider.
Who is eligible for Telehealth?
You can be offered Telehealth if your healthcare professional agrees that it is suitable and beneficial for your needs. In most cases, Telehealth is available for St Vincent’s Health Network patients who live in for rural, regional or interstate areas.
What equipment do I need to make a Telehealth appointment?
Telehealth is an efficient, convenient way to access essential healthcare services. All you need for your Telehealth consultation is:
- Computer, iPad, tablet OR smart phone – a reasonably up-to-date computer, iPad, tablet or smart phone
- Camera – a built-in or plug-in webcam (most modern devices have built-in cameras)
- Microphone and speakers – either built in or external
- Internet connection – a reliable way to access the internet and potentially download images or other results if necessary
- Google Chrome – St Vincent’s Hospital uses Google Chrome for all Telehealth consultations (Google Chrome can be downloaded at: www.google.com/chrome)
Where can I learn more about Telehealth at St Vincent’s?
If you require any more information about Telehealth at St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney (SVHNS), please contact Majid Shahi, Telehealth Manager.
E:Majid.Shahi@svha.org.au
Pexip and Video Conferencing Network Support: 1300 28 55 33 (For clinicians only)